top of page

💭 Understanding PTSD with Compassion – PCP Physician Georgetown TX

  • Writer: Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
    Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

If you've experienced something traumatic and still feel on edge, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck, you're not alone. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we want you to know that healing from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is possible — and we’re here to help, without judgment.

As your trusted PCP physician in Georgetown TX, we offer a safe, supportive space to understand what’s going on and take the next steps forward — at your pace.


🔍 What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could include:

  • Car accidents

  • Assault or abuse

  • Combat or military experiences

  • Medical emergencies

  • Sudden loss of a loved one

  • Natural disasters

Not everyone who goes through trauma develops PTSD — but for some, the stress lingers and starts affecting daily life.


🧠 Pathophysiology – What’s Happening in the Brain?

PTSD affects how the brain handles memory, fear, and safety signals:

  • The amygdala (fear center) becomes overactive

  • The hippocampus (memory center) may shrink, affecting recall

  • The prefrontal cortex (decision-making center) may become less active, making it harder to think clearly

These changes can make the brain feel like it’s stuck in survival mode, even when the danger has passed.


🚩 Common Symptoms of PTSD by PCP Physician Georgetown TX

Symptoms usually fall into 4 categories:

  1. Intrusive thoughts – flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories

  2. Avoidance – avoiding people, places, or topics that trigger the trauma

  3. Changes in mood – feeling numb, disconnected, hopeless, or angry

  4. Hyperarousal – being jumpy, irritable, or constantly on edge

These can start soon after trauma or appear months or even years later.


🧪 Investigations and Evaluation

At our Georgetown TX primary care clinic, we begin with:

  • A kind, confidential conversation about your symptoms

  • Simple screening tools to identify PTSD

  • Lab tests to rule out other causes of anxiety, fatigue, or mood changes (e.g., thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies)

  • Referrals to mental health professionals if needed — with your comfort always in mind

We take things step by step, at your pace.


💊 Medical Treatments for PTSD

Treatment depends on your symptoms and comfort level. Options include:

  • Talk therapy (CBT or EMDR) — helps reprocess trauma in a safe, guided way

  • Medications — such as SSRIs (like sertraline or paroxetine) to ease anxiety and mood

  • Sleep aids — short-term solutions for nightmares or insomnia

  • Mental health referrals — when specialized support is needed

Everything is personalized — you stay in control of your care.


🏡 Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Support

Alongside medical care, these gentle changes may ease symptoms:

  • Movement: Daily walks, yoga, or light activity

  • Sleep routine: Going to bed at the same time, limiting screens before sleep

  • Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, prayer, or mindfulness

  • Support systems: Talking to loved ones or joining PTSD support groups

  • Nutrition: A balanced diet supports brain and mood health

Small steps matter. Even 10 minutes of daily quiet or stretching can calm the nervous system.


❓ Top 10 FAQs – PTSD

💭 Can PTSD show up years after the trauma?

Yes — it’s not uncommon for symptoms to appear long after the event.

💭 Is PTSD only for veterans?

Not at all. Anyone who’s gone through trauma can develop PTSD — including medical events, abuse, or loss.

💭 Can I recover without therapy?

Many people improve with lifestyle support, but therapy often helps the brain reprocess trauma more completely.

💭 Are medications required?

No — they’re one option. Some patients improve with non-medication strategies.

💭 Is it normal to feel ashamed?

Yes, but you don’t have to carry that. PTSD is a real medical condition, not a weakness.

💭 What’s the difference between PTSD and anxiety?

They overlap, but PTSD is specifically related to trauma. We help you sort it out gently.

💭 Can seniors develop PTSD?

Absolutely — especially after loss, falls, surgeries, or witnessing distressing events.

💭 Will this affect my medical record?

Only you and your provider will know. Everything is confidential and handled respectfully.

💭 How long does PTSD last?

It varies — but with the right care, many people feel much better over time.

💭 Why Wellness Bay?

Because we offer compassionate, unrushed care from a board-certified PCP physician in Georgetown TX — where your story is heard and respected.


👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

Please reach out if:

  • You’re reliving a trauma or avoiding things that remind you of it

  • Your sleep, relationships, or work are suffering

  • You feel constantly tense, numb, or disconnected

  • You’ve been feeling this way for more than a month

  • You want help — even if you’re not sure where to start

You deserve peace of mind, clarity, and support. We’re here to help you find it.


💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together

The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.

📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX

📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online


Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:

Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX


📍 Related Links

PCP Physician Georgetown TX

 
 
bottom of page